Warts in throat are caused by a strain of human papilloma virus. They are also called ano-gential warts and in medical terminology physicians refer it as laryngeal papillomatosis. Out of many strains of HPV, a particular strain is only responsible for genital warts; they usually develop in genital and anal area. But sometimes it can also affect the throat and mouth. Oral sex with someone who has warts in their genital area can lead to warts in throat and oral cavity.
Throat warts may be single or multiple and white in color.
Warts in throat may remain asymptomatic for a long time, but in some cases they may produce discomfort while swallowing and breathing. This depends on their size, location and number of warts. Warts in throat are difficult to get cured permanently and there may be recurrences even after their removal.
What Causes Warts In Your Throat?
Warts in throat are caused by HPV (human papilloma virus) infection. The virus responsible for warts in throat is the same virus which produces warts in genital and anal area. One of the main reasons for spread of warts in throat is oral sex with a person suffering from genital warts. Even mouth to mouth contact with an infected person may lead to warts in throat of a non infected individual.
Similar to other virus infection, people suffering from warts in throat have low immune status. In some cases warts may develop even one year after the virus enters in the body. The risk of warts in throat increases when a person starts having sex in younger age and if he or she has multiple partners. The use of condoms may not give full protection to the disease but the risk decreases considerably. One of the risks with warts in throat is that it can lead to throat and mouth cancer.
Symptoms Of HPV Warts In Throat
Unlike warts in genital region, when they are present in throat they may cause irritation and discomfort. However, the severity may depend on the size and location of warts. Below are given some of the common symptoms:
- Exteriorly throat warts appear white and they are usually cauliflower like in shape. There may be a single wart or multiple clumps.
- Patient may have difficulty in swallowing when warts are present in throat. The problem increases when multiple warts are present. There may be associated burning and irritation in the throat.
- Warts in throat, especially when they are enormous in size may compromise with breathing. Especially when such warts are present near the trachea or the wind pipe. The enlarged wart may block the air passage and person has to breathe forcefully.
- Sometimes warts may be located on voice box or the larynx. If it is so, hoarseness is always a presenting complaint.
- It may also lead to persistent chronic cough due to constant irritation in the throat.
- When present inside the oral cavity there is always a feeling of discomfort and irritation. Sometimes there may be associated bleeding due to a bite while chewing the food.
Anyone who has bumps in the mouth and throat should always get examined for HPV infection. Especially they have history of risky sexual behavior.
Homeopathic Remedy For Warts In Throat
There is no cure for HPV infection. Although the warts are removed, they can recur again after a period of remission. Below are given home remedies that may help in treating warts in throat.
- One of the reasons for development of warts is believed to be low immune level. Vitamin C helps to build up your immunity and also helps in fighting infection. Eat fruits and vegetables as they contain vitamin C in large amount. Fruits such as oranges, lemon, strawberry, are loaded with vitamin C.
- Homeopathic drug Thuja is found extremely useful in treating all types of warts, including warts in throat. It is available as mother tincture or in different potencies. Take it as recommended by a homeopathic consultant. You can also use it as a gargle. Mix few drops of Thuja mother tincture in a glass of water and gargle two times in a day.
- To relieve irritation and itching salt water gargles and eating bland and soft diet is beneficial.
Other modes of treatment are laser removal, surgery and treating the wart with liquid nitrogen. All these treatment are done at a doctor’s office.